Notre Dame Secures Top Safety Recruit Joey O’Brien: Discover Why He Raves About the Brotherhood and Program Excellence!

Joey O’Brien, a four-star safety from La Salle College Prep in Pennsylvania, has officially committed to Notre Dame. This marks a significant win for head coach Marcus Freeman and his team as they compete against top schools like Clemson, Oregon, and Penn State.

Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 180 pounds, O’Brien made several visits to Notre Dame, including a key official visit recently. He shared his thoughts on the experience, emphasizing the importance of the education and opportunities at Notre Dame. “Not everyone gets a chance to go to Notre Dame. I didn’t want to regret missing out on it,” he said.

Recognized by On3 as Pennsylvania’s top recruit, O’Brien is also ranked as the fifth-best safety and 40th overall in the nation. He is the 19th commitment for Notre Dame in the 2026 recruiting class, joining fellow standout Khary Adams.

O’Brien was particularly drawn to the team’s culture and work ethic. “I love how hard they work. The brotherhood there is impressive,” he remarked. O’Brien has been to practices and games, noting how dedicated the players are. “You can see they put in the effort, and that shows great culture,” he added.

One factor that swayed his decision was the connection with Freeman. O’Brien described Freeman as a great person who inspires his players. “When he talks, you want to go to battle for him,” O’Brien noted. The welcoming atmosphere during his visit made him feel like part of the family, which was a big deal for him.

Defensive backs coach Mike Mickens played a key role in O’Brien’s recruitment. O’Brien appreciates Mickens’ down-to-earth nature and his impressive background as a player. “He’s someone you want to be coached by,” O’Brien said.

The Notre Dame recruiting class is currently ranked sixth nationally, and O’Brien believes it’s only going to get better. “The 2026 class has a tight bond,” he explained. “I felt like I belonged there.”

In high school, O’Brien has not just excelled on defense, but he’s also made waves as a receiver. As a junior, he caught 68 passes for 1,029 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 36 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and an interception. His dual-threat capability is something Notre Dame looks forward to integrating into their program.

In today’s competitive college football landscape, O’Brien’s choice reflects a growing trend. More recruits are prioritizing both football performance and academic reputation when selecting schools. According to a recent survey by the NCAA, 85% of student-athletes consider the academic strengths of a school as a key factor in their college choice.

Joey O’Brien is on track to make a significant impact at Notre Dame, not just on the field but as part of a community that values hard work and camaraderie.

Source link

Joey O’Brien (26 – La Salle College)